Bicycle hydraulic operating device

ABSTRACT

A bicycle hydraulic operation device comprises a bracket, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston a lever, and a first biasing member. The bracket includes a gripping portion configured to be gripped by a rider. The piston is disposed within the hydraulic cylinder and movable between an initial position and an actuated position. The lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket around a first axis and operatively coupled to the piston to move the piston in response to pivotal movement of the lever from a rest position to an operated position. The first biasing member is operatively coupled to the piston and the lever outside the hydraulic cylinder such that the first biasing member biases the piston toward the initial position and biases the lever toward the rest position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle hydraulic operating device.

2. Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. In recent years, some bicycles have been provided with abicycle hydraulic system. The bicycle hydraulic system includes ahydraulic operating mechanism and a hydraulically actuated component,for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicyclehydraulic operation device comprises a bracket, a hydraulic cylinder, apiston a lever, and a first biasing member. The bracket includes agripping portion configured to be gripped by a rider. The piston isdisposed within the hydraulic cylinder and movable between an initialposition and an actuated position. The lever is pivotally mounted to thebracket around a first axis and operatively coupled to the piston tomove the piston in response to pivotal movement of the lever from a restposition to an operated position. The first biasing member isoperatively coupled to the piston and the lever outside the hydrauliccylinder such that the first biasing member biases the piston toward theinitial position and biases the lever toward the rest position.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicyclehydraulic operating device according to the first aspect furthercomprises an intermediate member configured to be operatively coupled tothe piston. The first biasing member includes a first end portionconfigured to engage with the intermediate member so as to bias thepiston toward the initial position.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicyclehydraulic operating device according to the second aspect is configuredso that the intermediate member is configured to contact the lever so asto apply biasing force of the first biasing member to the lever.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclehydraulic operating device according to the second aspect is configuredso that the first biasing member further includes a second end portionconfigured to engage with the bracket.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclehydraulic operating device according to the fourth aspect is configuredso that the first biasing member further includes a first main bodyhaving a cylindrical shape, the first end portion and the second endportion extend from the first main body.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclehydraulic operating device according to the fifth aspect is configuredso that the bracket further includes a pivot shaft and a support shaft.The pivot shaft defines the first axis of the lever and is configured topivotally support the lever. The support shaft differs from the pivotshaft and passes through the first main body so as to support the firstbiasing member.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the sixth aspect isconfigured so that the second end portion engages with the pivot shaft.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the sixth aspect isconfigured so that the support shaft is provided below the pivot shaftin a state where the bracket is mounted to the bicycle handlebar.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclehydraulic operating device according to the second aspect is configuredso that the bracket includes a guide structure configured to guide theintermediate member to move the piston between the initial position andthe actuated position.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclehydraulic operating device according to the ninth aspect is configuredso that the intermediate member includes a first guide end portion and asecond guide end portion. The first guide end portion and the secondguide end portion oppositely extend in an axial direction defined alongthe first axis. The guide structure includes a first guide groove and asecond guide groove. The first guide groove is configured to guide thefirst guide end portion. The second guide groove configured to guide thesecond guide end portion.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the tenth aspect isconfigured so that the first end portion of the first biasing memberengages with the first guide end portion of the intermediate member.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the eleventh aspectfurther comprises a second biasing member operatively coupled to thepiston and the lever outside the hydraulic cylinder such that the secondbiasing member biases the piston toward the initial position and biasesthe lever toward the rest position.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the twelfth aspect isconfigured so that the second biasing member is spaced apart from thefirst biasing member in the axial direction.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the thirteenth aspect isconfigured so that the second biasing member includes a third endportion configured to engage with the second guide end portion of theintermediate member so as to bias the piston toward the initialposition.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the fourteenth aspect isconfigured so that the second biasing member further includes a fourthend portion and a second main body. The fourth end portion is configuredto engage with the bracket. The second main body has a cylindricalshape. The third end portion and the fourth end portion extend from thesecond main body.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the fifteenth aspect isconfigured so that the first biasing member further includes a secondend portion and a first main body. The second end portion is configuredto engage with the bracket. The first main body has a cylindrical shape.The first end portion and the second end portion extend from the firstmain body. The bracket further includes a pivot shaft and a supportshaft. The pivot shaft defines the first axis of the lever and isconfigured to pivotally support the lever with respect to the bracket.The support shaft differs from the pivot shaft and passes through thefirst main body and the second main body so as to support the firstbiasing member and the second biasing member.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the first aspect isconfigured so that the hydraulic cylinder is provided on the bracket.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the first aspect isconfigured so that one of the bracket and the lever has a cableoperating mechanism. The lever is configured to be rotatable about asecond axis which differs from the first axis and is operativelyconnected to the cable operating mechanism in response to rotationalmovement of the lever around the second axis.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle hydraulic operating device according to the first aspect furthercomprises an electric switch unit provided on at least one of thebracket and the lever and configured to be electrically connected to abicycle electric component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic brake device and a bicyclehydraulic operating device in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle hydraulic operatingdevice take along line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the bicyclehydraulic operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the bicyclehydraulic operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the bicyclehydraulic operating device illustrated in FIG. 4 when a plug member isremoved;

FIG. 6 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the bicyclehydraulic operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle hydraulic operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the bicyclehydraulic operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle hydraulic operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a first operating lever of and a cableoperating mechanism of the bicycle hydraulic operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a second operating lever of and the cableoperating mechanism of the bicycle hydraulic operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the first operating lever, the secondoperating lever, and the cable operating mechanism of the bicyclehydraulic operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the cable operating mechanism of the bicyclehydraulic operating device illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 14 is a side view of a bicycle hydraulic operating device inaccordance with a second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding oridentical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle hydraulic operating device 10in accordance with the first embodiment is illustrated. The bicyclehydraulic operating device 10 is configured to be attached to a bicyclehandlebar H of a bicycle. The bicycle handlebar H is a dropdown bicyclehandlebar, for example. The bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 isconfigured to operate a hydraulic brake device 12 to apply a brakingforce to a front wheel 14. More specifically, the bicycle hydraulicoperating device 10 is configured to generate hydraulic pressure. Thehydraulic brake device 12 is a hydraulic disc brake device and isconfigured to be actuated via the hydraulic pressure generated by thebicycle hydraulic operating device 10. The bicycle hydraulic operatingdevice 10 is configured to be coupled to the hydraulic brake device 12via a hydraulic pressure hose 16. The hydraulic brake device 12 includesa brake disc 18 and a caliper 20. The brake disc 18 is attached to a hub22 of the front wheel 14 to be rotatable integrally with the front wheel14. The caliper 20 is mounted to a front fork 24 of the bicycle tosqueeze the brake disc 18. While the hydraulic brake device 12 is thehydraulic disc brake device, it will be apparent to those skilled in thebicycle field from the present disclosure that the hydraulic brakedevice 12 can be a hydraulic rim brake device, for example.

The bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 is further configured tooperate a rear derailleur 26 to shift gears. The bicycle hydraulicoperating device 10 is configured to be coupled to the rear derailleur26 via an operation cable 28. The operation cable 28 is a mechanicalcable such as a Bowden cable having an inner cable.

As described above, the bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 includesboth a braking function and a shifting function in a single unit.However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field fromthe present disclosure that the shifting function can be eliminated fromthe bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 if needed and/or desired.

The bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 is a right hand side operatingdevice configured to be operated by a rider's right hand to operate thehydraulic brake device 12 and the rear derailleur 26. However, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from the presentdisclosure that the configuration of the bicycle hydraulic operatingdevice 10 can be adapted to a left hand side operating device configuredto be operated by the rider's left hand. In such embodiment, a rearbrake device and a front derailleur (not shown) are operated using thebicycle hydraulic operating device 10, for example.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front”,“rear”, “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “transverse”, “upward”and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions which are determined on the basis of the rider who sitson a saddle (now shown) of the bicycle with facing the bicycle handlebarH, for example. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe thebicycle hydraulic operating device 10, should be interpreted relative tothe bicycle as used in an upright riding position on a horizontalsurface.

As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 is mountedto a curved section H1 of the bicycle handlebar H. In other words, thebicycle hydraulic operating device 10 is particularly designed for abicycle that is equipped with the dropdown bicycle handlebar such as thebicycle handlebar H. However, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe bicycle field from the present disclosure that the bicycle hydraulicoperating device 10 can be applied to different types of handlebars ifneeded and/or desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bicycle hydraulic operating device 10comprises a bracket 30, a grip cover 32, a lever 34, and a cableoperating mechanism 38. The bracket 30 is configured to be mounted tothe bicycle handlebar H. In the illustrated embodiment, the grip cover32 is attached to the bracket 30 to at least partially cover the bracket30. The grip cover 32 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. Thelever 34 is pivotally provided around a first axis X1 relative to thebracket 30 between a rest position P1 and an operated position P2. Thecable operating mechanism 38 is configured to be connected to theoperation cable 28 (FIG. 1).

As seen in FIG. 2, the lever 34 is pivotally mounted to the bracket 30around the first axis X1. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 34 isbiased from the operated position P2 to the rest position P1 withrespect to the bracket 30. The pivotal movement of the lever 34 isrestricted by a stopper (not shown) between the rest position P1 and theoperated position P2. The lever 34 is configured to perform a brakingoperation of the hydraulic brake device 12.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bracket 30 includes a handlebar attachmentportion 30 a. A mounting member 40 is mounted to the handlebarattachment portion 30 a. The mounting member 40 is configured to couplethe bracket 30 to the bicycle handlebar H. The mounting member 40 is ahandlebar clamp configured to be attached to the bracket 30 forreleasably securing the bracket 30 to the curved section H1 of thebicycle handlebar H. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting member40 includes a band 40 a configured to be coupled to the handlebarattachment portion 30 a. The handlebar attachment portion 30 a isarranged at an opposite side of the lever 34 and is configured tocontact the curved section H1 (FIG. 1) of the bicycle handlebar H when afastener (not shown) is tightened to move the band 40 a towards thehandlebar attachment portion 30 a. It will be apparent to those skilledin the bicycle field from the present disclosure that the mountingmember 40 is not limited to the illustrated clamp, but rather othersuitable attachment mechanisms can be used as needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 3, the bracket 30 further includes a grip portion 30 bconfigured to be griped by a rider. The bracket 30 is made of a rigidand/or hard material such as a metallic material or a resin material. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the handlebar attachment portion 30 a andthe grip portion 30 b are integrally provided as a one-piece unitarymember. Of course, the handlebar attachment portion 30 a and the gripportion 30 b can have removable members as needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 3, the bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 furthercomprises a hydraulic cylinder 46 and a piston 48. The hydrauliccylinder 46 has a cylinder bore 50. The cylinder bore 50 extends in afirst direction D1. The cylinder bore 50 has a center axis A1. The firstdirection D1 is defined along the center axis A1 of the cylinder bore50, for example. The hydraulic cylinder 46 is provided on the bracket30. The cylinder bore 50 is provided in the bracket 30. Namely, it canbe said that the bracket 30 has the cylinder bore 50. In the illustratedembodiment, the hydraulic cylinder 46 (the cylinder bore 50) is at leastpartially provided in the grip portion 30 b of the bracket 30 and isintegrally provided in the bracket 30 as a one-piece unitary member.However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field fromthe present disclosure that the hydraulic cylinder 46 (the cylinder bore50) can be provided in a portion other than the grip portion 30 b in thebracket 30. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in thebicycle field from the present disclosure that the hydraulic cylinder 46(the cylinder bore 50) can be a separate member from the bracket 30.

As seen in FIG. 3, the piston 48 is configured to be movably disposedwithin the cylinder bore 50 of the hydraulic cylinder 46. Morespecifically, the piston 48 is configured to be movable in the firstdirection D1 relative to the bracket 30 within the cylinder bore 50. Asseen in FIG. 2, the lever 34 is operatively coupled to the piston 48 tomove the piston 48 in response to pivotal movement of the lever 34 fromthe rest position P1 to the operated position P2. The piston 48 ismovable disposed within the cylinder bore 50 in a reciprocal manner inresponse to operation of the lever 34.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cylinder bore 50 includes a first end 50 aand a second end 50 b. The first end 50 a is open to an internal space52 of the bracket 30. The cable operating mechanism 38 and a part of thelever 34 are disposed in the internal space 52, for example. The piston48 and the internal surface of the cylinder bore 50 define a cylinderchamber. The cylinder chamber is configured to be filled with hydraulicfluid. The second end 50 b is opposite to the first end 50 a in thefirst direction D1.

As seen in FIG. 3, the bracket 30 includes a through-hole 56 connectedto the second end 50 b of the cylinder bore 50. The through-hole 56extends in the first direction D1 from the cylinder bore 50 to anoutside of the bracket 30. The cylinder bore 50 and the through-hole 56are provided by machining, for example. The through-hole 56 improves themachining of the cylinder bore 50. The bicycle hydraulic operatingdevice 10 further comprises a plug member 58. The plug member 58 isconfigured to plug up the through-hole 56.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the through-hole 56 includes an outeropening 56 a on an outer surface 30 c of the bracket 30. The outersurface 30 c is provided on a front side of the bracket 30 in a statewhere the bracket 30 is attached to the bicycle handlebar H. Thethrough-hole 56 extends from the cylinder bore 50. The plug member 58has an inside part 60 disposed inside the outer opening 56 a. In theillustrated embodiment, the plug member 58 is completely provided insidethe through-hole 56 and the cylinder bore 50. Namely, the inside part 60corresponds to the entirety of the plug member 58. The plug member 58 isconfigured such that an outer end surface of the plug member 58 and theouter surface 30 c of the bracket 30 provide no step therebetween.

As seen in FIG. 4, the inside part 60 has a maximum outer diameter L1larger than an inner diameter L2 of the outer opening 56 a. As seenFIGS. 4 and 5, the through-hole 56 includes an inner opening 56 barranged closer to the cylinder bore 50 than the outer opening 56 a. Theinner opening 56 b has an inner diameter L3 smaller than an innerdiameter L4 of the cylinder bore 50 so as to provide a step surface 30 dbetween the through-hole 56 and the cylinder bore 50. As seen in FIG. 4,the maximum outer diameter L1 of the inside part 60 is larger than theinner diameter L3 of the inner opening 56 b. The inner diameter L3 ofthe inner opening 56 b is equal to the inner diameter L2 of the outeropening 56 a. The maximum outer diameter L1 of the inside part 60 issubstantially equal to the inner diameter L4 of the cylinder bore 50.The plug member 58 is configured to be attached to the through-hole 56through the cylinder bore 50.

While the sizes of the through-hole 56 and the plug member 58 have theabove relationships, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicyclefield from the present disclosure that the sizes of the through-hole 56and the plug member 58 are not limited to the disclosed relationships.For example, the inner diameter L3 of the inner opening 56 b can beequal to the inner diameter L4 of the cylinder bore 50. The innerdiameter L3 of the inner opening 56 b can be different from the innerdiameter L2 of the outer opening 56 a. The maximum outer diameter L1 ofthe inside part 60 can be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter L3of the inner opening 56 b. The maximum outer diameter L1 of the insidepart 60 can be equal to or smaller than an inner diameter L2 of theouter opening 56 a.

As seen in FIG. 4, the inside part 60 includes a first portion 60 a anda second portion 60 b. The first portion 60 a is configured to beprovided in the through-hole 56. The second portion 60 b is configuredto be provided in the cylinder bore 50 and has the maximum outerdiameter L1.

The step surface 30 d is opposite to the outer surface 30 c with respectto the through-hole 56. The step surface 30 d has an annular shape. Theinner opening 56 b of the through-hole 56 is provided on the stepsurface 30 d. The bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 furthercomprises a seal ring 62 arranged between the second portion 60 b andthe step surface 30 d. The seal ring 62 has an annular shape and is madeof an elastic material such as rubber. The second portion 60 b includesa first surface 60 c. The first surface 60 c is configured to contactthe seal ring 62. The first surface 60 c has an annular shape. The firstsurface 60 c is configured to be tapered toward the inner opening 56 b.While the seal ring 62 arranged between the second portion 60 b and thestep surface 30 d, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicyclefield from the present disclosure that the seal ring 62 can be providedbetween the first portion 60 a and an inner peripheral surface of thethrough-hole 56, for example.

As seen in FIG. 4, the first surface 60 c and the step surface 30 ddefine a sealing space S in which the seal ring 62 is provided. The sealring 62 contacts the first surface 60 c and the step surface 30 d and iscompressed between the first surface 60 c and the step surface 30 d. Theseal ring 62 improves the sealing between the plug member 58 and thethrough-hole 56. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in thebicycle field from the present disclosure that the seal ring 62 can beomitted if needed and/or desired. Furthermore, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that thefirst surface 60 c can be perpendicular to the first direction D1 andparallel to the inner surface 30 d of the bracket 30.

As seen in FIG. 4, the second portion 60 b further includes a secondsurface 60 d configured to contact the step surface 30 d. The secondsurface 60 d has an annular shape and is provided around the firstportion 60 a. The step surface 30 d and the second surface 60 d areperpendicular to the first direction D1. However, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that thestep surface 30 d and the second surface 60 d can be inclined withrespect to the first direction D1. The first portion 60 a ispress-fitted into the through-hole 56 or is bonded to the through-hole56 with adhesive, for example.

Returning to FIG. 3, the lever 34 is operatively connected to the piston48 to move the piston 48 within the cylinder bore 50 in response topivotal movement of the lever around the first axis X1. Morespecifically, the bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 furthercomprises an intermediate member 64 configured to be operatively coupledto the piston 48. The intermediate member 64 is configured to transmitthe pivotal movement of the lever 34 to the piston 48. The piston 48 isdisposed within the cylinder bore 50 and movable between an initialposition P11 and an actuated position P12. In a state where the lever 34is not operated by a rider, the piston 48 is positioned at the initialposition P11 in the cylinder bore 50. As seen in FIG. 2, in a statewhere the lever 34 is operated by the rider to the operated position P2,the piston 48 is positioned at the actuated position P12.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the intermediate member 64 includes aconnecting rod 66, a connecting bracket 68, and a guide shaft 70. Theconnecting rod 66 is pivotally connected to the piston 48. Theconnecting bracket 68 is configured to pivotally connect the connectingrod 66 to the guide shaft 70. The guide shaft 70 is configured tocontact the lever 34. More specifically, the lever 34 includes a cammember 71 configured to contact the guide shaft 70. Namely, theintermediate member 64 is configured to contact the lever 34.

As seen in FIG. 3, the bracket 30 includes a guide structure 72configured to guide the intermediate member 64 to move the piston 48between the initial position P11 and the actuated position P12. Morespecifically, as seen in FIG. 6, the guide structure 72 includes a firstguide groove 72 a and a second guide groove 72 b. The guide shaft 70 ofthe intermediate member 64 includes a first guide end portion 70 a and asecond guide end portion 70 b. Namely, it can be said that theintermediate member 64 includes the first guide end portion 70 a and thesecond guide end portion 70 b. The first guide end portion 70 a and thesecond guide end portion 70 b oppositely extend in an axial direction D2defined along the first axis X1. The guide shaft 70 extends in the axialdirection D2. The first guide end portion 70 a is opposite to the secondguide end portion 70 b in the axial direction D2. The first guide groove72 a is configured to guide the first guide end portion 70 a. The secondguide groove 72 b is configured to guide the second guide end portion 70b. The first guide end portion 70 a is provided in the first guidegroove 72 a. The second guide end portion 70 b is provided in the secondguide groove 72 b. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in thebicycle field from the present disclosure that the guide structure 72can include configurations other than the first guide groove 72 a andthe second guide groove 72 b. Furthermore, the guide structure 72 can beprovided in a member other than the bracket 30. Also, the guidestructure 72 can be omitted if needed and/or desired.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the bicycle hydraulic operating device10 further comprises a first biasing member 74 and a second biasingmember 76. As seen in FIG. 3, the first biasing member 74 and the secondbiasing member 76 are provided outside the hydraulic cylinder 46. Morespecifically, the first biasing member 74 and the second biasing member76 are provided outside the cylinder bore 50 of the hydraulic cylinder46.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first biasing member 74 is operatively coupled tothe piston 48 and the lever 34 outside the hydraulic cylinder 46 suchthat the first biasing member 74 biases the piston 48 towards theinitial position P11 and biases the lever 34 towards the rest positionP1 (FIG. 2). The intermediate member 64 is configured to contact thelever 34 so as to apply a biasing force of the first biasing member 74to the lever 34.

As seen in FIG. 6, the first biasing member 74 is a torsion spring andincludes a first main body 74 a, a first end portion 74 b, and a secondend portion 74 c. The first main body 74 a is a coiled part of thetorsion spring. The first main body 74 a has a cylindrical shape and isconfigured to generate a biasing force to bias the piston 48. The firstend portion 74 b and the second end portion 74 c extend from the firstmain body 74 a. The first end portion 74 b is configured to engage withthe intermediate member 64 so as to bias the piston 48 towards theinitial position P11 (FIG. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, as seen inFIG. 6, the first end portion 74 b of the first biasing member 74engages with the first guide end portion 70 a of the intermediate member64.

As seen in FIG. 6, the second end portion 74 c is configured to engagewith the bracket 30. More specifically, the bracket 30 further includesa pivot shaft 78 and a support shaft 80. The pivot shaft 78 defines thefirst axis X1 of the lever 34 and is configured to pivotally support thelever 34. The support shaft 80 differs from the pivot shaft 78 andpasses through the first main body 74 a so as to support the firstbiasing member 74. The second end portion 74 c engages with the pivotshaft 78.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second biasing member 76 is operatively coupledto the piston 48 and the lever 34 outside the cylinder bore 50 such thatthe second biasing member 76 biases the piston 48 towards the initialposition P11 and biases the lever 34 towards the rest position P1 (FIG.2). The intermediate member 64 is configured to contact the lever 34 soas to apply a biasing force of the second biasing member 76 to the lever34.

As seen in FIG. 6, the second biasing member 76 is a torsion spring andincludes a second main body 76 a, a third end portion 76 b, and a fourthend portion 76 c. The second main body 76 a is a coiled part of thetorsion spring. The second main body 76 a has a cylindrical shape and isconfigured to generate a biasing force to bias the piston 48. The thirdend portion 76 b and the fourth end portion 76 c extend from the secondmain body 76 a.

As seen in FIG. 6, the third end portion 76 b is configured to engagewith the intermediate member 64 so as to bias the piston 48 towards theinitial position P11 (FIG. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the thirdend portion 76 b is configured to engage with the second guide endportion 70 b of the intermediate member 64 so as to bias the piston 48towards the initial position P11 (FIG. 3). The support shaft 80 passesthrough the second main body 76 a so as to support the second biasingmember 76. The fourth end portion 76 c is configured to engage with thebracket 30. More specifically, the fourth end portion 76 c engages withthe pivot shaft 78.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the support shaft 80 is provided belowthe pivot shaft 78 in a state where the bracket 30 is mounted to thebicycle handlebar H (FIG. 1). However, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that thesupport shaft 80 can be provided above the pivot shaft 78 or at the samelevel as the pivot shaft 78, for example. The second biasing member 76is spaced apart from the first biasing member 74 in the axial directionD2. The first biasing member 74 and the second biasing member 76 arearranged in the axial direction D2. However, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that thesecond biasing member 76 can be provided at a position other than theillustrated position. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilledin the bicycle field from the present disclosure that one of the firstbiasing member 74 and the second biasing member 76 can be omitted ifneeded and/or desired. The first biasing member 74 and the secondbiasing member 76 can be provided integrally with each other as a onepiece unitary member. For example, the fourth end portion 76 c of thesecond biasing member 76 can be integrally connected to the second endportion 74 c of the first biasing member 74. It will be apparent tothose skilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that thefirst biasing member 74 and/or the second biasing member 76 can bebiasing members other than the torsion springs. Furthermore, theintermediate member 64 can be omitted if needed and/or desired. In suchembodiment, at least one of the first biasing member 74 and the secondbiasing member 76 can directly bias the piston 48.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the lever 34 is pivoted around the firstaxis X1 relative to the bracket 30, the piston 48 moves within thecylinder bore 50 against the biasing forces of the first biasing member74 and the second biasing member 76. Operation of the lever 34 causesthe hydraulic fluid to move from the cylinder bore 50 to a slave pistonor pistons (not shown) in the hydraulic brake device 12 to applyfrictional resistance. This causes the bicycle to be slowed down orstopped. Of course, the bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 can beapplied to any kind of a bicycle hydraulic component.

As described above, the first biasing member 74 is operatively coupledto the piston 48 and the lever 34 outside the hydraulic cylinder 46 suchthat the first biasing member 74 biases the piston toward the initialposition P11 and biases the lever 34 toward the rest position P1. Thisconfiguration can eliminate a biasing member from the inside of thehydraulic cylinder 46, allowing the hydraulic cylinder 46 to be morecompact.

Returning to FIG. 3, the bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 furthercomprises a fluid reservoir tank 82. The fluid reservoir tank 82 isconfigured to store hydraulic fluid for generating hydraulic pressure.The hydraulic fluid can be supplied from the fluid reservoir tank 82 tothe hydraulic cylinder 46 even if the necessary amount of the hydraulicfluid increases due to wearing of the friction material (for example, abrake pad) of the hydraulic brake device 12. The fluid reservoir tank 82also can reduce changes in the hydraulic pressure applied to thehydraulic brake device 12 due to swelling and contraction caused bychanges in the temperature of the hydraulic fluid. The fluid reservoirtank 82 communicates with the cylinder bore 50 of the hydraulic cylinder46 via a first fluid passage 82 a. The bracket 30 includes a secondfluid passage 36 a configured to connect the cylinder bore 50 to anoutlet port 36 b (FIG. 1). The cylinder bore 50 communicates with thesecond fluid passage 36 a via a communicating opening 50 c.

As seen in FIG. 8, the fluid reservoir tank 82 includes a fluidreservoir 84, a lid 86, and a flexible diaphragm 88. The lid 86 issecured to the bracket 30 to cover an opening of the fluid reservoir 84using fasteners (not shown). The flexible diaphragm 88 is provided to bedeformable in the fluid reservoir 84. The fluid reservoir 84, the lid86, and the flexible diaphragm 88 define a reservoir chamber 89. Thereservoir chamber 89 is configured to be filled with hydraulic fluid andis connected to the cylinder chamber via the first fluid passage 82 a(FIG. 3). The fluid reservoir 84 includes a first reservoir section 84 aand a second reservoir section 84 b. The first reservoir section 84 a isprovided below the cylinder bore 50. The second reservoir section 84 bis recessed from the first reservoir section 84 a towards an oppositeside of the lid 86 with respect to the first reservoir section 84 a. Thesecond fluid passage 36 a is provided between the second reservoirsection 84 b and the cylinder bore 50.

As seen in FIG. 9, one end of the second fluid passage 36 a is pluggedup by an end plug 36 c. The second fluid passage 36 a is adjacent tothrough-hole 56 and the plug member 58. The bracket 30 includes a fluidsupplying port 82 b through which hydraulic fluid is to be supplied tothe fluid reservoir tank 82. A lid 82 c is removably attached to thefluid supplying port 82 b.

Returning to FIG. 3, the lever 34 is configured to rotatable about asecond axis X2 which differs from the first axis X1 and operativelyconnected to the cable operating mechanism 38 in response to rotationalmovement of the lever 34 around the second axis X2. More specifically,the lever 34 includes a lever support bracket 90, a support rod 91, afirst operating lever 92, a second operating lever 94, a first returnspring 96, and a second return spring 98.

As seen in FIG. 3, the lever support bracket 90 is supported by thepivot shaft 78 pivotally relative to the bracket 30 around the firstaxis X1. The lever support bracket 90 is coupled to the cam member 71 bythe support rod 91 to be integrally rotatable around the first axis X1relative to the bracket 30. The first operating lever 92 is pivotallysupported around the second axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 by thelever support bracket 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the support rod91 is attached to the lever support bracket 90, and the support rod 91pivotally supports the first operating lever 92 around the second axisX2 relative to the lever support bracket 90. The second operating lever94 is supported by the lever support bracket 90 pivotally around thesecond axis X2 relative to the bracket 30. The second axis X2 extendsalong a longitudinal direction D3 (forward-rearward direction) of thebicycle and is disposed above the first axis X1 in a state where thebicycle hydraulic operating device 10 is mounted to the bicyclehandlebar H (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first operating lever 92 is configured tobe pivotally provided around the second axis X2 relative to the bracket30 between a first rest position P21 and a first shift position P22. Thefirst return spring 96 (FIG. 3) is configured to bias the firstoperating lever 92 from the first shift position P22 towards the firstrest position P21. The first operating lever 92 is configured to bepivotally provided around the second axis X2 by the rider relative tothe bracket 30 to operate the rear derailleur 26 (FIG. 1) through thecable operating mechanism 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstoperating lever 92 is configured to be pivotally provided around thesecond axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 by the rider to downshift therear derailleur 26 into a lower gear, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the second operating lever 94 is configuredto be pivotally provided around the second axis X2 relative to thebracket 30 between a second rest position P31 and a second shiftposition P32. The second return spring 98 (FIG. 3) is configured to biasthe second operating lever 94 from the second shift position P32 towardsthe second rest position P31. The second operating lever 94 is pivotallyprovided around the second axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 towardsthe second shift position P32 together with the first operating lever 92when the first operating lever 92 is pivoted around the second axis X2relative to the bracket 30 towards the first shift position P22. Thesecond operating lever 94 is further configured to be pivotally providedaround the second axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 by the rider in astate where the first operating lever 92 is positioned at the first restposition P21. The second operating lever 94 is configured to bepivotally provided around the second axis X2 relative to the bracket 30by the rider to operate the rear derailleur 26 (FIG. 1) through thecable operating mechanism 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondoperating lever 94 is configured to be pivotally provided around thesecond axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 by the rider to upshift therear derailleur 26 into a higher gear, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the cable operating mechanism 38 includes acable take-up member 100, a first input member 102, a second inputmember 104, and a positioning mechanism 106. The cable take-up member100 is rotatably provided about a third axis X3 relative to the bracket30. The cable take-up member 100 is rotatably supported about the thirdaxis X3 relative to the bracket 30 by a cable take-up shaft 107. In theillustrated embodiment, the third axis X3 is coaxial with the secondaxis X2 when the lever 34 is disposed at the rest position P1. An innercable of the operation cable 28 (FIG. 1) is coiled around the cabletake-up member 100. An end of the inner cable of the operation cable 28is attached to the cable take-up member 100.

As seen in FIG. 13, the cable take-up member 100 has a substantiallycylindrical shape and includes a cable attachment part 100 a to whichthe end of the inner cable of the operation cable 28 is to be attached.When the cable take-up member 100 is rotated relative to the bracket 30in a first rotational direction R1, the inner cable of the operationcable 28 is taken up by the cable take-up member 100. When the cabletake-up member 100 is rotated about the third axis X3 relative to thebracket 30 in a second rotational direction R2, the inner cable of theoperation cable 28 is reeled out from the cable take-up member 100. Thecable take-up member 100 is biased in the second rotational direction R2by a take-up return spring (not shown). Specifically, the take-up returnspring applies a biasing force to the cable take-up member 100 so as torotate relative to the bracket 30 in the second rotational direction R2.Namely, the cable take-up member 100 is biased in the second rotationaldirection R2 by the take-up return spring to reel out the inner cable ofthe operation cable 28.

In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13, when thefirst operating lever 92 is operated from the first rest position P21towards the first shift position P22, the cable take-up member 100rotates about the third axis X3 relative to the bracket 30 in the firstrotational direction R1 to take up the inner cable of the operationcable 28. When the second operating lever 94 is operated from the secondrest position P31 towards the second shift position P32, the cabletake-up member 100 rotates about the third axis X3 in the secondrotational direction R2 to reel out the inner cable of the operationcable 28.

As seen in FIG. 10, the first input member 102 is configured to bepivotally provided around the third axis X3 in response to the pivotingof the first operating lever 92 around the second axis X2. Morespecifically, an end of the first input member 102 is configured tocontact the first operating lever 92 to be pressed by the firstoperating lever 92 from the first rest position P21 to the first shiftposition P22. Thus, when the first operating lever 92 is pivoted aroundthe second axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 from the first restposition P21 to the first shift position P22, the first input member 102is pivoted around the third axis X3 relative to the bracket 30 togetherwith the first operating lever 92. The pivotal movement of the firstoperating lever 92 is transmitted to the positioning mechanism 106 viathe first input member 102.

As seen in FIG. 11, the second input member 104 is configured to bepivotally provided around the third axis X3 in response to the pivotingof the second operating lever 94 around the second axis X2. Morespecifically, an end of the second input member 104 is configured tocontact the second operating lever 94 to be pressed by the secondoperating lever 94 from the second rest position P31 to the second shiftposition P32. Thus, when the second operating lever 94 is pivoted aroundthe second axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 from the second restposition P31 to the second shift position P32, the second input member104 is pivoted around the third axis X3 relative to the bracket 30together with the second operating lever 94. The pivotal movement of thesecond operating lever 94 is transmitted to the positioning mechanism106 via the second input member 104.

Furthermore, the second operating lever 94 is configured to be pivotallyprovided around the third axis X3 in response to the pivoting of thefirst operating lever 92. More specifically, the second operating lever94, the first input member 102, and the second input member 104 arepivoted around the third axis X3 relative to the bracket 30 togetherwith the first operating lever 92 when the first operating lever 92 ispivoted about the second axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 towards thefirst shift position P22.

As seen in FIG. 13, the positioning mechanism 106 is configured toposition the cable take-up member 100 relative to the bracket 30 in arotational direction of the cable take-up member 100 in accordance withthe gear shift level. The positioning mechanism 106 includes apositioning plate 108, a take-up plate 110, a positioning hook 112, atake-up hook 114, a release hook 116, a release plate 118, and an arresthook 120.

As seen in FIG. 12, the positioning plate 108 and the take-up plate 110are attached to the cable take-up member 100 to rotate about the thirdaxis X3 together with the cable take-up member 100. Namely, the cabletake-up member 100, the positioning plate 108, and the take-up plate 110are configured to be integrally rotatable about the third axis X3relative to the bracket 30.

As seen in FIG. 13, the cable take-up member 100, the positioning plate108, and the take-up plate 110 are biased by the take-up return spring(not shown) in the second rotational direction R2. The positioning plate108 includes positioning cogs 108 a. The take-up plate 110 includestake-up cogs 110 a. The positioning hook 112 is configured to engagewith the positioning cogs 108 a of the positioning plate 108 to keep therotational position of the positioning plate 108 against the biasingforce of the take-up return spring. The positioning hook 112 is biasedby a first hook biasing member (not shown) to keep engaging with thepositioning cogs 108 a of the positioning plate 108. Thus, the cabletake-up member 100 can be kept at a predetermined shift position aftereither a take-up operation using the first operating lever 92 or arelease operation using the second operating lever 94.

As seen in FIG. 11, the take-up hook 114 is pivotally provided on thefirst input member 102. The take-up hook 114 and the first input member102 are rotated about the third axis X3 relative to the bracket 30 inthe first rotational direction R1 when the first operating lever 92 isoperated from the first rest position P21 towards the first shiftposition P22.

As seen in FIG. 13, the take-up hook 114 is configured to engage withthe take-up cogs 110 a of the take-up plate 110. The take-up hook 114 isbiased by a second hook biasing member (not shown) to engage with thetake-up cogs 110 a of the take-up plate 110. The first input member 102and the take-up hook 114 are rotated about the third axis X3 relative tothe bracket 30 in the first rotational direction R1 when the firstoperating lever 92 is operated from the first rest position P21 towardsthe first shift position P22. The rotation of the first input member 102is transmitted to the take-up plate 110 via the take-up hook 114. Thiscauses the take-up plate 110, the cable take-up member 100, and thepositioning plate 108 to be rotated about the third axis X3 relative tothe bracket 30 in the first rotational direction R1 against the biasingforce of the take-up return spring. At this time, one of the positioningcogs 108 a of the positioning plate 108 lifts the positioning hook 112against the biasing force of the first hook biasing member in responseto the rotating of the positioning plate 108. After the positioning hook112 gets over the one of the positioning cogs 108 a, the positioninghook 112 engages with another of the positioning cogs 108 a. This allowsthe take-up plate 110, the cable take-up member 100, and the positioningplate 108 to be stepwise rotated about the third axis X3 relative to thebracket 30 at a pitch of the positioning cogs 108 a in the firstrotational direction R1.

As seen in FIG. 13, the release plate 118 is configured to be rotatedabout the third axis X3 by the release hook 116 in the first rotationaldirection RI. The release plate 118 is configured to release thepositioning plate 108 from the positioning hook 112 to rotate thepositioning plate 108 relative to the bracket 30 in the secondrotational direction R2.

As seen in FIG. 11, the release hook 116 is pivotally provided on thesecond input member 104. The release hook 116 and the second inputmember 104 are rotated about the third axis X3 relative to the bracket30 in the first rotational direction R1 when the second operating lever94 is operated from the second rest position P31 towards the secondshift position P32. The release hook 116 is configured to be disposed ata disengaging position and an engaging position with respect to thesecond input member 104. The release hook 116 is disposed at thedisengaging position with respect to the second input member 104 whenthe second operating lever 94 is pivoted from the second rest positionP31 towards the second shift position P32 in response to the pivoting ofthe first operating lever 92. The release hook 116 is disposed at theengaging position with respect to the second input member 104 when thesecond operating lever 94 is operated from the second rest position P31towards the second shift position P32 without the pivoting of the firstoperating lever 92.

The engaging position allows the release hook 116 to contact the releaseplate 118 to transmit the pivotal movement of the second operating lever94 to the release plate 118. The disengaging position prevents thepivotal movement of the second operating lever 94 from being transmittedto the release plate 118 via the release hook 116. Namely, the releaseplate 118 is rotated about the third axis X3 by the release hook 116 inthe first rotational direction R1 when the second operating lever 94 isoperated from the second rest position P31 towards the second shiftposition P32 without the pivoting of the first operating lever 92.

When the second operating lever 94 is pivoted around the second axis X2relative to the bracket 30 and the first operating lever 92, the releasehook 116 engages with the release plate 118 to rotate the release plate118 in the first rotational direction R1. The rotation of the releaseplate 118 causes the arrest hook 120 to be inserted between thepositioning cogs 108 a of the positioning plate 108 at a differentposition from the positioning hook 112. On the other hand, the rotationof the release plate 118 causes the positioning hook 112 to disengagefrom the positioning cogs 108 a of the positioning plate immediatelyafter the engaging of the arrest hook 120. Furthermore, the rotation ofthe release plate 118 causes the take-up hook 114 to disengage from thetake-up cogs 110 a of the take-up plate 110. Accordingly, the cabletake-up member 100, the positioning plate 108, and the take-up plate 110are rotated by the biasing force of the take-up return spring until thearrest hook 120 contacts one of the positioning cogs 108 a of thepositioning plate 108. When the second operating lever 94 is retuned tothe second rest position P31, the release plate 118 is retuned to itsinitial position, causing the positioning hook 112 and the take-up hook114 to engage with the positioning cogs 108 a and the take-up cogs 110a, respectively. Also, when the second operating lever 94 is retuned tothe second rest position P31, the arrest hook 120 is returned to itsinitial position. Thus, the take-up plate 110, the cable take-up member100, and the positioning plate 108 can be stepwise rotated about thethird axis X3 relative to the bracket 30 at a pitch of the positioningcogs 108 a in the second rotational direction R2.

In the illustrated embodiment, a rider can pivot the first operatinglever 92 around the first axis X1 relative to the bracket 30 from therest position P1 to the operated position P2 while gripping the gripportion 30 b through the grip cover 32. This pivotal movement of thefirst operating lever 92 causes the piston 48 to be depressed,generating hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic cylinder 46. Thus,the hydraulic pressure actuates the hydraulic brake device 12 to slowdown or stop the bicycle.

Furthermore, the rider can pivot the first operating lever 92 around thesecond axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 from the first rest positionP21 to the first shift position P22 while gripping the grip portion 30 bthrough the grip cover 32. This pivotal movement of the first operatinglever 92 causes the cable operating mechanism 38 to take up the innercable of the operation cable 28 to downshift the rear derailleur 26 intoa lower gear. The rider can pivot the second operating lever 94 aroundthe second axis X2 relative to the bracket 30 and the first operatinglever 92 from the second rest position P31 to the second shift positionP32 while gripping the grip portion 30 b through the grip cover 32. Thispivotal movement of the second operating lever 94 causes the cableoperating mechanism 38 to reel out the inner cable of the operationcable 28 to upshift the rear derailleur 26 into a higher gear.

Second Embodiment

A bicycle hydraulic operating device 210 in accordance with the secondembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 14. Elements havingsubstantially the same function as those in the first embodiment will benumbered the same here, and will not be described again in detail.

As seen in FIG. 14, the bicycle hydraulic operating device 210 comprisesa lever 234 and an electric switch unit 211. The electric switch unit211 is provided on at least one of the bracket 30 and the lever 234 andis configured to be electrically connected to a bicycle electriccomponent. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric switch unit 211is provided on the lever 234. However, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that theelectric switch unit 211 can be provided on the bracket 30, or on boththe lever 234 and the bracket 30. The electric switch unit 211 isconfigured to perform gear shifting operations of a shifting device. Theelectric switch unit 211 is configured to be electrically connected toan electric derailleur (not shown) via an electric cable (not shown).However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field fromthe present disclosure that the electric switch unit 211 can becommunicated with the bicycle electric component using a wirelesstechnology.

As seen in FIG. 14, the lever 234 is configured to be pivotally providedaround the first axis X1 relative to the bracket 30. More specifically,the lever 234 includes a brake lever 292 configured to be pivotallyprovided around the first axis X1 relative to the bracket 30. Unlike thefirst operating lever 92 of the first embodiment, the brake lever 292 isnot configured to be pivotally provided around the second axis X2relative to the bracket 30.

As seen in FIG. 14, the electric switch unit 211 is provided on thebrake lever 292. The electric switch unit 211 includes a first operatingmember 294 and a second operating member 295. The first operating member294 and the second operating member 295 are provided on the brake lever292. Each of the first operating member 294 and the second operatingmember 295 is pivotally provided relative to the brake lever 292. Thefirst operating member 294 is configured to be operated by a rider todownshift the rear derailleur 26, for example The second operatingmember 295 is configured to be operated by a rider to upshift the rearderailleur 26, for example. It will be apparent to those skilled in thebicycle field from the present disclosure that the first operatingmember 294 and the second operating member 295 are not limited to theillustrated structure and arrangement, but rather other suitablestructures and arrangements can be used as needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 14, the bicycle hydraulic operating device 210 includesa control unit 297 instead of the cable operating mechanism 38 of thefirst embodiment. The first operating member 294 and the secondoperating member 295 are electrically connected to the control unit 297.The control unit 297 includes a microcomputer and is located in thebracket 30, for example However, the control unit 297 can be remotelylocated if needed and/or desired. Since various electrical shiftingsystems are known in the bicycle field, the first operating member 294,the second operating member 295, and the control unit 297 will not bediscussed herein for the sake of brevity. Furthermore, the bicyclehydraulic operating device 210 has substantially the same configurationsas the bicycle hydraulic operating device 10 of the first embodimentexcept for the newly explained configurations in the second embodiment.

As described above, the electric switch unit 211 can be applied to thebicycle hydraulic operating device instead of a mechanical shifter suchas the lever 34 and the cable operating mechanism 38 of the firstembodiment.

In the above embodiments, the term “attached” or “attaching”, as usedherein, encompasses configurations in which an element directly attachedto another element by affixing the element is directly to the otherelement; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached tothe other element via the intermediate member(s); and configurations inwhich one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element isessentially part of the other element. This concept also applies towords of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”,“mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part” or “element” when usedin the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or aplurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers in the terms “first”, “second” or the like recitedin the present application are merely identifiers, but do not have anyother meanings, for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover,for example, the term “first element” itself does not imply an existenceof “second element”, and the term “second element” itself does not implyan existence of “first element.”

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle hydraulic operation device comprising:a bracket including a gripping portion configured to be gripped by arider; a hydraulic cylinder; a piston disposed within the hydrauliccylinder and movable between an initial position and an actuatedposition; a lever pivotally mounted to the bracket around a first axisand operatively coupled to the piston to move the piston in response topivotal movement of the lever from a rest position to an operatedposition; and a first biasing member operatively coupled to the pistonand the lever outside the hydraulic cylinder such that the first biasingmember biases the piston toward the initial position and biases thelever toward the rest position.
 2. The bicycle hydraulic operationdevice according to claim 1, further comprising: an intermediate memberconfigured to be operatively coupled to the piston, wherein the firstbiasing member includes a first end portion configured to engage withthe intermediate member so as to bias the piston toward the initialposition.
 3. The bicycle hydraulic operation device according to claim2, wherein the intermediate member is configured to contact the lever soas to apply biasing force of the first biasing member to the lever. 4.The bicycle hydraulic operation device according to claim 2, wherein thefirst biasing member further includes a second end portion configured toengage with the bracket.
 5. The bicycle hydraulic operation deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the first biasing member further includesa first main body having a cylindrical shape, the first end portion andthe second end portion extend from the first main body.
 6. The bicyclehydraulic operation device according to claim 5, wherein the bracketfurther includes a pivot shaft defining the first axis of the lever andconfigured to pivotally support the lever, and a support shaft differingfrom the pivot shaft and passing through the first main body so as tosupport the first biasing member.
 7. The bicycle hydraulic operationdevice according to claim 6, wherein the second end portion engages withthe pivot shaft.
 8. The bicycle hydraulic operation device according toclaim 6, wherein the support shaft is provided below the pivot shaft ina state where the bracket is mounted to the bicycle handlebar.
 9. Thebicycle hydraulic operation device according to claim 2, wherein thebracket includes a guide structure configured to guide the intermediatemember to move the piston between the initial position and the actuatedposition.
 10. The bicycle hydraulic operation device according to claim9, wherein the intermediate member includes a first guide end portionand a second guide end portion, the first guide end portion and thesecond guide end portion oppositely extend in an axial direction definedalong the first axis, and the guide structure includes a first guidegroove configured to guide the first guide end portion, and a secondguide groove configured to guide the second guide end portion.
 11. Thebicycle hydraulic operation device according to claim 10, wherein thefirst end portion of the first biasing member engages with the firstguide end portion of the intermediate member.
 12. The bicycle hydraulicoperation device according to claim 11, further comprising: a secondbiasing member operatively coupled to the piston and the lever outsidethe hydraulic cylinder such that the second biasing member biases thepiston toward the initial position and biases the lever toward the restposition.
 13. The bicycle hydraulic operation device according to claim12, wherein the second biasing member is spaced apart from the firstbiasing member in the axial direction.
 14. The bicycle hydraulicoperation device according to claim 13, wherein the second biasingmember includes a third end portion configured to engage with the secondguide end portion of the intermediate member so as to bias the pistontoward the initial position.
 15. The bicycle hydraulic operation deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein the second biasing member furtherincludes a fourth end portion configured to engage with the bracket, anda second main body having a cylindrical shape, the third end portion andthe fourth end portion extend from the second main body.
 16. The bicyclehydraulic operation device according to claim 15, wherein the firstbiasing member further includes a second end portion configured toengage with the bracket, and a first main body having a cylindricalshape, the first end portion and the second end portion extend from thefirst main body, and the bracket further includes a pivot shaft definingthe first axis of the lever and configured to pivotally support thelever with respect to the bracket, and a support shaft differing fromthe pivot shaft and passing through the first main body and the secondmain body so as to support the first biasing member and the secondbiasing member.
 17. The bicycle hydraulic operation device according toclaim 1, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is provided on the bracket. 18.The bicycle hydraulic operation device according to claim 1, wherein oneof the bracket and the lever has a cable operating mechanism, and thelever is configured to be rotatable about a second axis which differsfrom the first axis and operatively connected to the cable operatingmechanism in response to rotational movement of the lever around thesecond axis.
 19. The bicycle hydraulic operation device according toclaim 1, further comprising: an electric switch unit provided on atleast one of the bracket and the lever and configured to be electricallyconnected to a bicycle electric component.